Inflation was cited as the topmost election issue by the single largest group of Indian-Americans surveyed for a recent poll, while abortion and jobs/economy were the topmost for the next largest cohorts.
US-India relations were the last among the topmost issues cited by the respondents, alongside education and national security.
Inflation/prices were cited as the top issue by 17 per cent of the respondents in the 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, while abortion and reproductive rights and jobs/economy were cited as top issues by 13 per cent of the respondents each.
There was a partisan split on the top issues. The state of the economy, taking together prices and jobs, was the primary concern for 39 per cent of the respondents who identified themselves as Republican; compared to 24 per cent of Democratic respondents. Abortion was cited as the topmost issue by 19 per cent of Democrats and 5 per cent of Republicans.
This is a reflection of the national mood. Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans up and down the ticket have attacked Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democrats chiefly on the economy, especially prices, along with immigration. The Democrats have focussed on abortion and then the economy.
The survey was conducted for Carnegie by YouGov through online surveys of 714 Indian-American citizens between September 18 and October 15, 2024. Among other questions, the survey asked respondents to rank their topmost election issues.
Immigration was cited as the top issue by 10 per cent of the respondents; healthcare by 9 per cent; climate change and environment by 8 per cent; civil liberties by 7 per cent; crime by 6 per cent; taxes and government spending by 5 per cent; US-India relations by 4 per cent; education by 4 per cent; and national security also by 4 per cent.
“There are more than 5.2 million people of Indian origin residing in the United States today,” said the survey report. “Indian-Americans are now the second-largest immigrant group in the United States and have emerged as an important political actor thanks to the community’s rapid demographic growth, the close margins in modern presidential elections, and the diaspora’s remarkable professional success.”
Border guards of India, B'desh exchange sweets on Diwali
On the occasion of Diwali, sweets were exchanged on Thursday between the troops of Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), all along the border with Bangladesh, officials said.
PM Modi continues Diwali tradition, celebrates with soldiers in Gujarat's Kutch
Continuing his tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces and other security forces on the borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival of lights on Thursday with personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in the Sir Creek area of Gujarat's Kutch.
Indian, Chinese troops exchange sweets at LAC in Ladakh on Diwali
This comes after India and China undertook the disengagement process at the LAC in the union territory. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said during an event in Arunachal Pradesh that the process was near completion.
Former BJP MLA Brahm Singh Tanwar joins AAP ahead of Delhi Assembly polls
In a significant setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, three-time MLA Brahm Singh Tanwar joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday.
Everybody must accept reality that J&K is Union Territory: Lt Governor
In an obvious reference to NC leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Cabinet ministers, Sinha said: "It was unfortunate that those who took oath under the Indian Constitution are opposing UT status of J&K. This reflects their dual character."
Diwali affirms ideals that inspire Australians: Anthony Albanese
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday called Diwali an "extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture" that inspires Australians from all walks of life.
Mumbai Congress receives jolt as veteran Ravi Raja joins BJP
A veteran Congress leader, Ravi Raja along with his supporters on Thursday joined the BJP in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the party's Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar.
UP CM celebrates Diwali in Ayodhya, prays at Ram temple
A day after Deepotsav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath began his day on Thursday with a visit to Hanumangarhi, where he prayed to Bajrangbali.